Rare chance to view top class local costumes

The Rakei Tipuna - traditional costume exhibition now on show at the National Museum showcases three of the exceptional traditional costumes which featured in the 2018 Miss Cook Islands pageant.

The public now has a rare second opportunity to view the quality design and the detailed work that went into these unique costumes, made by local designers and their teams.

The three traditional costumes are on display until January 31 next year. The exhibition includes daily screenings of all nine of the costumes created for the 2018 Miss Cook Islands Pageant, along with information on early dress in the Cook Islands.

The costumes exhibited are by local designers Adrian Paerangi-Ariki Vaine-Rere who created the winning traditional costume – “The White Pearl of the Ocean” created for Teau McKenzie winner of Miss GRAND International - Miss Cook Islands 2018.

The other two well-known local designers are Rutera Taripo and Kaukura (Kaulani). Rutera Taripo and his team created the costume for Reihana Koteka-Wiki, winner of Miss World – Miss Cook Islands 2018. Kaukura created the costume for Louisa Purea winner of Miss International – Miss Cook Islands 2018.

In developing their costume expertise over numerous years and many events showcasing traditional costumes, the designers have retained and practiced ancient knowledge about the preparation and use of traditional materials still widely used in costume making in the Cook Islands.

The National Museum welcomes all visitors over the Christmas period. The museum will be open on December 31 and reopens from January 3, 2019.